The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset

Jaci Wilson
  • 5.0 (9)
  • Running

Can you keep going when everything in you wants to stop? One More Hour is the podcast for backyard ultra runners, ultramarathoners, trail runners, and people who want to master the ultrarunning mindset and push their limits. Hosted by run coach and backyard ultra expert Jaci Wilson, this show dives into the strategies, stories, and science behind going one more hour. Each week, you’ll hear from athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, sleep specialists, nutrition experts, etc., on what it takes to thrive in endurance running and timed races. From fueling and pacing strategies, to building mental toughness and overcoming fatigue, you’ll gain the tools to train smarter, race stronger, and stay in the game when it gets tough. Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon, curious about the backyard ultra format, or chasing a new PR, this podcast will help you go beyond what you thought possible. Hit follow and join the community of runners learning to embrace the challenge, trust the process, and keep going, one more hour at a time.

  1. 3d ago

    (Ep.47) Backyard Ultras are an Experiment of One with Dave Kwiatkowski

    What does it take to go from a 27-yard backyard ultra runner to consistently running 60+ yards and still believe you have more to learn? In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Dave Kwiatkowski, one of the most intriguing young athletes in the backyard ultra world. Dave has built his success through a process of experimentation, problem-solving, and learning from every race. We talk about how his approach has evolved since his first backyard ultra, the mistakes that have shaped his training, and why he believes every runner is an “experiment of one.” Dave shares how he trains his quads and glutes, why uphill hiking and stair repeats have become staples, and how he balances running by feel with the data he does pay attention to. We also get into the less glamorous, and often overlooked parts of going deep in a backyard: electrolyte balance, bathroom breaks, sleep deprivation, caffeine, and what happens when your brain starts seeing basketballs and treehouses that aren't actually there. Dave also shares his philosophy on crew, including why he believes the crew camp should be designed primarily for the crew, and how running with other athletes has helped him push through those moments when he wants to quit. And we talk about Big's Backyard Ultra, what makes Laz's backyard so special, where Dave thinks the backyard format could go in the future, and his new project, Yard Lore, a backyard-ultra data hub designed to bring athlete and race history together in one place. If you're fascinated by the process of getting better, not just the final result, this episode is for you. Show links: Dave's website and blog Dave's Instagram @davekwiatkowski Yardlore Andy's Backyard on October 24, 2026 (Dave's dad's race) Big's Backyard Ultra In this episode: Dave's unconventional introduction to ultra runningThe story behind his first 27-yard backyardHow he's progressed to multiple 60+ yard performancesLearning from failure and turning every race into an experimentTraining for the physical demands of multi-day backyardsSleep, caffeine, and hallucinationsElectrolytes and the surprisingly important problem of bathroom breaksBuilding an effective crew campWhy running with other athletes can be the difference between quitting and continuingDave's experiences at Big's Backyard UltraThe future of backyard ultrasThe story behind Yardlore and its unique “Lore Score”👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  2. Aug 11

    (Ep.46) 5 Mental Traps That End Backyard Ultras

    Backyard ultras are rarely won because someone is the fastest or strongest runner. More often, they’re won by the runner who can manage their mind when the race gets long, uncomfortable, and uncertain. This episode of the One More Hour Podcast, breaks down 5 mental traps that can derail a backyard ultra and what to do when you recognize them happening in real time. You’ll learn about: Time Traveling: Looking too far ahead and becoming overwhelmed by the hours, miles, darkness, or discomfort still to come. Learn how to use micro-anchoring to stay focused on the loop you’re actually running.Running Their Race: Comparing yourself to runners who appear stronger, faster, or more comfortable. Learn why appearances lie and why focusing on someone else's race can cost you your own.The False Alarm: When your brain interprets normal ultra-running discomfort as danger. Fatigue, stiffness, blisters, GI issues, fear, and the inevitable highs and lows of an ultra, and how to stop catastrophizing a bad loop.Borrowing From Tomorrow: The early-race comfort lie that convinces you to skip fueling, hydration, or body care because you feel great. Backyards reward systems, routines, and athletes who stay ahead of problems rather than waiting for them to appear.The Lawyer: When your brain becomes a defense attorney and starts building a convincing case for why it’s reasonable to quit. Your brain rarely says "quit, "it says "be reasonable."Jaci also dives into the Identity Trap, where success becomes permission to stop, and explains why even experienced backyard runners and eventual winners can fall into these mental patterns. The goal isn't to eliminate negative thoughts, discomfort, fear, or doubt. Those things are going to show up. The goal is to recognize them sooner, understand what your brain is doing, and have the tools to respond without letting a temporary low become the end of your race. The winner isn't necessarily the runner who never has these thoughts. It's the runner who doesn't give them power. One more yard. Then another. Then another. Until everyone else has stopped. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  3. Aug 4

    (Ep.45) The Race Behind the Runner: Crewing a Backyard Ultra (and for DAYS!) with Veronica Pardo

    What does it really take to crew an ultrarunner through a backyard ultra? In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, I’m joined by Veronica Pardo, a runner, chiropractor, and the wife of Nick Petterson, who you may remember from Episode 16 after his run at Summit Backyard Ultra. Since then, Nick has gone on to win Ode to Laz, earning a Silver Ticket, and will represent Team USA at Big’s Backyard Ultra this October. Veronica has been there crewing him through both races, giving her a unique perspective on what happens on the other side of the course. We talk about what a crew member actually does between loops, how to recognize when your runner is struggling, how to balance encouragement with pressure, and why knowing your runner is so important when the race gets deep. Veronica also shares what she learned from participating in a 100-hour timed event herself, including some eye-opening lessons about nutrition, how strong the body really is, and how to get through the messy middle when there’s still a LOT of time left on the clock. We also dive into: How runners can better prepare and communicate with their crew before race dayWhy crew members need to take care of themselves, tooHow to keep camp organized and efficient as the hours add upThe emotional side of watching someone you love suffer for daysHow Veronica and Nick balance their running goals with their life togetherWhat changed between Nick’s Summit and Ode to Laz racesWhat Veronica is most looking forward to, and nervous about, as Nick heads to Big’sWhy runners shouldn’t feel guilty about asking someone to crew for themWhether you’re an ultrarunner preparing for your next big race, someone who has been asked to crew, or a spouse or family member trying to understand this crazy sport, this episode will give you a look at the race that happens behind the runner. Ultras are rarely a solo effort. Sometimes, going one more hour takes a whole team. Follow Veronica on Instagram @drveronicapardo and Strava. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  4. Jul 28

    (Ep.44) Backyard Ultra Simulation: Stop Testing Fitness & Start Testing Your Systems

    A backyard ultra simulation should be much more than an overnight long run. In this episode of the One More Hour Podcast, we break down how to use a backyard simulation as a skills test, not a fitness test. The goal isn't to see how many yards you can complete. It's to collect data, create problems, practice solving them, and eliminate as many unknowns as possible before race day. We dive into: How to practice backyard-specific pacing and conserve energy earlyWhy the fastest runner on the course early in the race may not be the one who goes the furthestHow to practice shorter camp turnarounds without panickingCreating an efficient, repeatable camp and transition routineNutrition and hydration experiments, including what sounds good at 2 a.m.Why foot care should be preventative, not reactivePracticing night running when you're already fatiguedTesting your gear, lighting, clothing, shoes, and entire camp setupHow to use crew as an extension of your brainWhat to do when your carefully planned strategy inevitably goes wrongWhy backyard racing rewards runners who can problem-solve quicklyQuestions to ask yourself after a simulation to identify your biggest weaknessesHow to determine what would stop you first if the simulation kept goingMost importantly, we'll talk about the mindset shift that changes how you approach a simulation: Your goal isn't to see how fast you can cover 4.167 miles. Your goal is to see how little energy you can spend covering 4.167 miles. The best backyard runners aren't necessarily the ones who show up with the most fitness. They're the ones who show up with the fewest unanswered questions. It's time to stop guessing and start practicing. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  5. Jul 21

    (Ep.43) Can You Survive the Murder Mile? | Audrey Carter's Mid-State Mile Experience

    Can one mile break you? This week on The One More Hour Podcast, I sit down with trail runner and ultrarunner Audrey Carter to talk about her first experience at Mid-State Mile, one of the most unique and brutally challenging last-person-standing races in the country. Unlike a traditional Backyard Ultra, runners have just 20 minutes to complete a 1.1-mile loop with 340 feet of elevation gain before heading back out to do it again. Loop after loop after Loop. Until only one runner remains. Audrey shares what drew her to the infamous "Murder Mile," how she approached a format she'd never raced before, and what she learned about pacing, fueling, mindset, and pushing through the mental darkness that comes when your body wants to quit. In this episode, we discuss: What makes Mid-State Mile so uniqueHow Audrey trained for her first last-person-standing racePacing strategies for steep, repetitive climbingFueling mistakes and lessons learnedThe mental battle that begins after the sun goes downThe importance of community in endurance sportsWhy getting comfortable with being uncomfortable extends far beyond runningWhether you're curious about Mid-State Mile, training for your first Backyard Ultra, or simply looking for inspiration to tackle your own hard challenges, this conversation is full of practical lessons and honest reflections. Follow Audrey on Instagram: @easttnmotherrunner If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another runner who loves chasing "one more." One more loop. One more hour. One more chance to discover what you're capable of. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  6. Jul 14

    (Ep.42) The Mental Cost of Looking Too Far Ahead in Your Backyard Ultra

    How do you keep going when your brain is already worrying about miles that haven't happened yet? In backyard ultras and other endurance races, one of the biggest mental traps isn't physical fatigue. It's looking too far ahead. At yard 5, you start thinking about running for two days. At mile 17, you're worried about mile 100. Before the sun has even set, you're imagining the second night and convincing yourself you can't possibly keep going. This episode of The One More Hour Podcast, explores why our brains naturally "borrow suffering from the future," how this creates unnecessary overwhelm, and why the best backyard runners aren't necessarily mentally tougher, they're simply better at staying present. You'll also learn eight practical ways to train your brain during everyday runs, including: Breaking long runs into smaller segmentsGiving yourself one job at a timeDelaying decisions during low momentsPracticing mental resetsRecognizing when you're projecting future sufferingTraining without distractionsEnding some runs with something left in the tankAsking better questions after your long runsPresence isn't something you magically find on race day. It's a skill you build every time you train. Because the future version of you will handle the future miles. Your job right now is simply to handle this one. One more hour. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  7. Jul 7

    (Ep.41) Stay Curious: Wendy Krause's First Backyard Ultra | Midlife Running, Running with Dogs & Backyard Lessons

    What happens when an experienced ultrarunner steps into a completely new race format? In this episode of The One More Hour Podcast, I sit down with fellow Minnesota runner and coach, Wendy Krause, to talk about her first-ever Backyard Ultra at Blacks Grove Backyard Ultra. Although Wendy has years of experience racing trail ultras and 100-milers, the Backyard format challenged her in entirely new ways. From pacing and self-crewing to fueling, staying present, and embracing the unknown, Wendy was curious about what she could learn. We also dive into what it's like to coach midlife runners, why your best running doesn't have to be behind you, and how curiosity (not chasing numbers) can lead to some of your biggest breakthroughs. Along the way, we discuss: What surprised Wendy most about her first Backyard UltraSelf-crewing, pacing, and fueling lessons she'd change next timeWhy staying present one hour at a time is the key to successMidlife running, longevity, and overcoming limiting beliefsTraining and running with her two VizslasWhy "stay curious" has become one of her biggest lessons as both an athlete and a coachWhether you're preparing for your first Backyard Ultra, chasing your next ultramarathon, or simply looking for inspiration to keep growing as a runner, this conversation is full of practical takeaways and encouragement. Follow Wendy on Instagram @Wendyrunsfree Follow Wendy's dogs on Instagram @indykodarunsfree Follow the Heartland Trail Series coming in 2027 (10K•13.1•50K•100K) @heartlandtrailseries  Wendy's coaching link 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

  8. Jun 30

    (Ep.40) When You Want to Quit (Listen to This First) | Backyard Ultra Motivation

    If you're listening to this episode, chances are you're in the middle of your race and your brain is trying to convince you to quit. This is a special race-day episode of The One More Hour Podcast, created specifically for runners tackling backyard ultras and last runner standing events. Whether you're sitting in your chair questioning if you should answer the next bell or you're out on the course fighting the clock, this episode is here to help you remember why you started. Through a mix of calm reassurance, mindset coaching, and high-energy motivation, you'll reconnect with your purpose, trust your training, silence the voice that's looking for an out, and find the courage to keep going one more lap. When the race gets hard, and it will, press play before you make your decision. Because your race isn't over until the race says it's over. 👉 Don’t miss the next yard. Hit Follow on The One More Hour Podcast: An Insider’s Guide to Backyard Ultras, Timed Races, and the Ultrarunning Mindset. ⭐️ If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a quick review. It helps more runners find the show and keep going when they want to stop. 📲 Connect with me on Instagram → @onemorehourpodcast 📩 Got a story about going one more? I’d love to hear it. Email me at → theonemorehourpodcast@gmail.com 🎁 Freebie → 5 Mental Traps Backyard Runners Fall Into (and How to Fix Them)  ⭐️ Learn more about working with me on my website

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Can you keep going when everything in you wants to stop? One More Hour is the podcast for backyard ultra runners, ultramarathoners, trail runners, and people who want to master the ultrarunning mindset and push their limits. Hosted by run coach and backyard ultra expert Jaci Wilson, this show dives into the strategies, stories, and science behind going one more hour. Each week, you’ll hear from athletes, race directors, sports psychologists, sleep specialists, nutrition experts, etc., on what it takes to thrive in endurance running and timed races. From fueling and pacing strategies, to building mental toughness and overcoming fatigue, you’ll gain the tools to train smarter, race stronger, and stay in the game when it gets tough. Whether you’re training for your first ultramarathon, curious about the backyard ultra format, or chasing a new PR, this podcast will help you go beyond what you thought possible. Hit follow and join the community of runners learning to embrace the challenge, trust the process, and keep going, one more hour at a time.

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